24-Hour Vitamin C Intake Assessment (Total Vitamin C Consumption)
This test measures how much vitamin C (ascorbic acid) you consumed over the past 24 hours. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection.
["Understanding your vitamin C intake helps assess dietary habits and nutritional balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81074-7
- Short code
- Vit C intake 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Vit C intake 24h Est
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- estimated
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Vitamin C is vital for many bodily processes, including fighting infections, maintaining healthy skin, and protecting cells from damage. Measuring your intake helps identify whether you’re meeting recommended levels through diet alone.
How It Works
This is not a direct blood or urine test for vitamin C levels. Instead, it estimates your total vitamin C consumption over 24 hours based on dietary records or self-reported intake. Some healthcare providers may use this data alongside other tests to assess overall vitamin C status.
What to Expect
You’ll typically be asked to track or report your vitamin C sources (e.g., fruits, vegetables, supplements) for a full day. No lab specimen is drawn for this test—it relies on self-reported dietary intake.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have concerns about vitamin C deficiency, poor dietary habits, or if you’re taking supplements to monitor intake. It can also help evaluate compliance with dietary recommendations.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Vitamin C Intake (24h)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if my intake is too low or too high?
Does this test replace blood vitamin C tests?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy